The author ofBetween Shades of Grayreturns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastatingyet unknowntragedies.

In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide.Among them areJoana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to theship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff.

Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other testedwith each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes.

Notcountry, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestsellerDead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor BookCode Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of theWilhelm Gustloff--the greatest maritime disaster in history.

As she did inBetween Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.Praise for BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY:ANew York TimesNotable Book of 2011AWall Street JournalBest Children's Book of 2011APublishers WeeklyBest Book of 2011The iTunes 2011 Rewind Best Teen NovelASchool Library JournalBest Book of 2011ABooklistBest Book of 2011AKirkusBest Book of 20112012 Indies Choice Young Adult Book of the YearA Carnegie Medal FinalistA William C.

Morris FinalistANew York TimesBestsellerAn International Bestseller';Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both.'--The Washington Post* ';A harrowing page-turner.'--Publishers Weekly, starred review* ';A gripping story.'--School Library Journal, starred review* ';Bitterly sad, fluidly writtenSepetys' flowing prose gently carries readers.'--Kirkus, starred review* "Beautifully written and deeply feltan important book that deserves the widest possible readership.'--Booklist, starred review';Stalin deported and murdered millions, but he could not destroy the seeds of memory, compassion, and art that they left behind.

From those seeds, Ruta Septeys has crafted a brilliant story of love and survival that will keep their memory alive for generations to come.'--Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling author ofSpeakandWintergirls';In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepetys re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today.

Between Shades of Gray is a document long overdue.'--Richard Peck, Newbery Awardwinning author ofA Year Down Yonder';Between Shades of Gray is a story of astonishing force.

I feel grateful for a writer like Ruta Sepetys who bravely tells the hard story of what happens to the innocent when world leaders and their minions choose hate and oppression.

Beautiful and unforgettable.'--Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honorwinning author ofHitler YouthFrom the Hardcover edition.